In 2001, Sherman, et. al., conducted randomized prospective study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the particle repositioning maneuver (PRM) in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

A total of 71 BPPV patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of three groups: PRM, sham PRM, and control. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 2 weeks and 3 months, with a mean long-term follow-up period of 12 months. Additionally, a telephone questionnaire was administered.

Patients presenting with BPPV were recruited during their initial clinic visit and assigned to one of the three groups. The PRM group received the specific maneuver, the sham PRM group received a simulated maneuver, and the control group did not receive any intervention. The resolution of symptoms and the results of the Dix-Hallpike test were evaluated at the 2-week follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed to compare outcomes between the groups.

At the 2-week follow-up, 81.8% of patients in the PRM group showed symptom resolution and a negative Dix-Hallpike test, compared to 15.3% in the sham PRM group and 60% in the control group. These differences were statistically significant between the treatment (PRM) and sham PRM groups, as well as between the sham PRM and control groups. The difference between the treatment and control groups almost reached significance (p = .06). Notably, the sham treatment group exhibited the poorest outcomes at the 2-week interval. However, there were no significant differences observed between the groups beyond the 2-week follow-up.

The findings suggest that the PRM is effective in providing short-term relief for the vertiginous symptoms of BPPV. Its effectiveness cannot be attributed to a placebo effect. However, the PRM does not appear to influence the long-term natural history of the disorder. The sham treatment may delay spontaneous recovery by potentially preventing the particles from descending into the utricle. This study did not evaluate the frequency or severity of symptoms.

Reference: Sherman, D., & Massoud, E. A. (2001). Treatment outcomes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Journal of Otolaryngology, 30(5).